Tenant behind on rent? Damage beyond wear and tear? Holding over after the lease ended? Describe the situation in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send notices — specific to Missouri law.
Get My Missouri Action Plan — Free to StartMo. Rev. Stat. §535.300 requires the deposit back within 30 days with an itemized deduction list. Missouri has no statutory entry-notice period and no statutory rent grace period. Tenants have the right to be present at the move-out inspection, and bad-faith withholding can cost the landlord double the amount. A landlord cannot remove a tenant or their belongings without a court order and cannot disconnect utilities to force them out.
30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
No state law sets a minimum notice period — check your lease, which may require one.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri at 816-474-6750. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.